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Apps stores bolstering smartphone growth

'Appster' generation choosing application-friendly handsets

A growing number of people are choosing a mobile phone deal based on whether
or not the device can download applications, rather than the cost or number of
minutes and texts bundled in.

A study by comparison site
MoneySupermarket.com
found that this trend is beginning to create what it calls an 'appster'
generation. These users have downloaded an average of nine applications in the
past 12 months, spending £9 over and above the cost of the phone and contract.

This trend is still in the early stages, but is expected to accelerate,
according to the report. Nearly half of users claim that they would consider
switching, or have recently switched, their mobile to a smartphone specifically
to get access to applications.

"The iPhone has led the way in the smartphone market since its launch, and
the advent of applications has really added fuel to the fire," said James
Parker, manager of mobiles at MoneySupermarket.com.

"Apps are already extremely popular, but it seems that plenty more people
will consider switching to a smartphone in order to be part of the latest mobile
phenomenon."

Parker also highlighted the launch of streaming applications such as music
service Spotify, which recently launched on the Android and iPhone platforms.

"This move is a milestone in the mobile world, and it will be interesting to
see what other services pop up as apps in the next few months," he added.

Not everyone is convinced that applications are worthwhile, however. Around a
third of people see them as gimmicks, or relegate them to the realm of tech
geeks and show-offs.

Although the majority of apps are for entertainment, humour or marketing,
many are designed to be informative, and some large enterprises are starting to
make use of the platform to deliver mobile interfaces for their applications,
especially those offering hosted services.